Skip to content

Wind sensors showing incorrect readings

A member reports a problem that occurred with two wind sensors on a vessel. One evening the starboard wind sensor (aft) was indicating an incorrect value. A few minutes later the port wind sensor (forward) was showing the same symptoms. The DP desk was giving a warning: Wind difference Speed of 1 and 2.

The weather at the time was freezing (-4°C) and there was a dense fog (visibility <100m) with a lot of icy patches on the quayside and roads (glazed frost).

The following morning a check was made of the wind sensors in both masts. The sensors were found to be covered in ice. After removal of the ice the indicators were back to true values.

Touching the sensors by hand indicated that there was no heating present. The sensors appeared not to have built-in heaters (which are optional).

Safety Event

Published: 1 January 2003
Download: IMCA SF 01/03

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.